1. What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally, and how do you plan to celebrate it?
International Women’s Day is a meaningful occasion for me to reflect on the progress we’ve made while acknowledging the challenges that still exist in achieving gender equality. Personally, it’s a reminder to continue pushing past gender stereotypes and to strive for excellence, no matter the environment. As the Chief Commercial Officer at Coliwoo, a leader in Singapore’s co- living sector, my experience in the real estate and property management industry has been both rewarding and transformative. I’ve been fortunate to have encountered supportive colleagues and partners who have been instrumental in my growth.
I plan to celebrate International Women’s Day by reflecting on the incredible women around me who have inspired and supported me, while also acknowledging the barriers that women still face, particularly in male-dominated industries. At Coliwoo, we foster a culture of inclusivity, support, and empowerment every single day. Through meaningful sharing sessions, we discuss our challenges and explore ways to overcome them. Whether it’s through small gestures of appreciation or larger team initiatives, our commitment remains the same—uplifting one another, working together, and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.
International Women’s Day is not just about one day, but about using this opportunity to further strengthen our commitment to inclusivity, support, and empowerment every single day. We’ll continue to celebrate the accomplishments of women in our workplace and beyond, ensuring that every person is valued for their abilities and not limited by their gender.
2. How can companies and institutions go beyond symbolic gestures and take real action to support women’s empowerment?
In my role as Chief Commercial Officer, I make it a priority to encourage our female team members to share their ideas and ensure that every individual’s contribution is recognised. We engage with our employees regularly through check-ins, workshops, and programmes designed to enhance their skill sets and provide ample opportunities for career advancement. Whether it’s through leadership development initiatives, employee recognition programmes, or providing dedicated spaces for women to connect and share their experiences, we are unwavering in our commitment to creating an environment where gender equity is prioritised.
At Coliwoo, we also support our female employees through several on-ground initiatives. For example, we offer mentorship opportunities to guide women in their career journeys, as well as flexible work arrangements to ensure a healthy work-life balance. We actively encourage women to take on leadership roles, and our talent development programs are specifically designed to
help them unlock their full potential. Through these initiatives, we are not just celebrating women but empowering them to grow and thrive in their careers.
To go beyond symbolic gestures and take real action in supporting women’s empowerment, companies and institutions must also actively prioritise inclusivity and shared caregiving responsibilities across all aspects of their operations. This means not only implementing diverse hiring practices but also ensuring that career progression is driven by merit and performance instead of gender.
At Coliwoo, we put these principles into practice by fostering an environment where equal opportunity and shared caregiving responsibilities are prioritised. We actively support all team members by offering flexible work-from-home options, which is especially valuable for caregivers and working parents. We believe that caregiving responsibilities should be shared equally, and as such, we offer support to both mothers and fathers, ensuring they have the flexibility to balance work with family needs. Regular check-ins with employees help us identify any challenges they may face, and we work collaboratively to find practical solutions. Coliwoo also promotes shared parental leave policies that encourage both parents to be equally involved in caregiving, which further supports an inclusive culture.
3. What do you think is the most pressing issue for gender equality in 2025, and how can individuals and organisations help address it?
One of the most pressing issues for gender equality in the workplace is the challenge women face in balancing long-term caregiving responsibilities with their careers. The Government’s push for
a more equal sharing of parental responsibilities has been a significant step in helping women better balance their work and family commitments, unlocking their potential in the workplace.
At Coliwoo, work-life balance is a key priority, and we understand the value of offering flexible work-from-home options. This allows caregivers, including working mothers, the flexibility to adjust their schedules to meet their family’s needs. By putting greater focus on challenging traditional gender stereotypes—such as through initiatives like the Families for Life movement, which encourages active fatherhood and collaborative parenting, as well as the Centre for Fathering’s Dads for Life and Mums for Life movements—we can continue to make strides toward achieving a more equal partnership in parenting and the sharing of caregiving responsibilities within the family.
We also ensure that both mothers and fathers have the support they need in the workplace. Managers and colleagues play a key role in helping facilitate the smooth re-entry of mothers returning to work after maternity leave, ensuring they have the flexibility and resources to transition effectively. We also provide equal support for fathers who need to take leave to care for their children, recognising the importance of shared caregiving responsibilities.
Fostering an inclusive work environment that supports flexible work arrangements, particularly for caregivers, is vital to keeping talented women in the sector. Ultimately, real progress requires a long-term commitment to change, ensuring the real estate industry becomes a space where women not only enter but thrive, lead, and contribute to shaping the sector’s future.
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